Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A TASTE OF JAPAN IN DALIAN

Having
recently come from a trip to Japan, I find myself now really appreciating the
abundance of Japanese restaurants right here in Dalian. There are just too many
to count and it would be impossible to fully explore all of them, but it’s easy
to come across a few gems here and there.

When
one thinks of Japanese food, it’s often sashimi and sushi that come to mind. No
doubt these are fantastic, delicious and healthy for you. However, sashimi and
sushi are usually and traditionally eaten during dinner.

I
thought it would be more fun to explore the Japanese-style lunch– the ramens and Bento boxes that are just as
delectable.

Here
are three Japanese restaurants in Dalian where you’ll find dining for lunch is
always a pleasure…

GENJI

Genji
boasts authentic Japanese cuisine and a great selection of Bento boxes for
lunch. The servings are generous and the seafood and meat portions of the
highest quality. Located at the Hilton Dalian hotel, it also has a nice
Zen-like atmosphere and the perfect ambience for a relaxing lunch with friends.

Hilton Dalian, 2/F

No.1 Gangpu Lu

Zhongshan District, Dalian

Open for Lunch – 11:30am-2:30pm

Dinner – 5:30pm – 10pm

Tuna and Avocado appetizer - yum!!

One of Genji's amazing Bento Box lunch sets

KOTO

Koto
is a small and cozy sushi izakaya restaurant with probably one of the largest lunch
menu selections of Bento boxes I have ever seen. I counted at least 20 choices.
So you’ll be sure to find something just for you. The best thing about Koto is
the affordable prices. Most bento boxes range from 32RMB (US$5) to 68RMB
(US$11).

Harbour
Plaza, 2/F

#42
Dandong jie, Zhongshan District

Dalian

Spinach and Mushroom Salad

One of Koto's many Bento box choices

TORIYA RAMEN IZAKAYA

When
it comes to authentic Japanese ramen, this place is difficult to beat. The
restaurant works as a 2-in-1 venue. The left side is the ramen room (open
during the day) and the right side is the Toriya room (open at night). For
lunch, try the Miso Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Japanese Teppanyaki Ramen or the Dandan
Mian (noodles with peppery sauce). They
also have great Gyoza (Japanese fried dumplings).